Chapter 13: The Sentinel
The bright library remained quiet for a moment as the distant sounds of the floors below made their way to the room in soft hums.
The sound of Yome and Bridge dropping to one knee filled the space a moment later as they bowed in respect and reverence.
"We greet the Sentinel."
Bastian watched them both with an appraising look.
Yome suddenly realized something as she glanced to the side slightly, still down on one knee. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Arbus still standing upright with the same blank expression he'd worn since they'd gotten here.
A flicker of irritation crossed her features. He had done the same thing earlier—when they had met Ophilia, a retainer Commander directly under the Sentinel. Someone who most sentries could only dream of meeting in their lifetime.
And now, he was before the Sentinel himself. A being far different from a simple Commander, or even a High Commander.
Most Star Systems in the sectors of the universe controlled by the Renegades didn't have one, due to how hard it was to ascend to the 5th Stage.
If the Emperor and the Pinnacles were deities, then Sentinels were akin to minor deities. And a normal sentry was being so casual in front of one, seemingly not understanding the difference in rank.
Then, the emotions in her eyes dimmed slightly as she recalled why they were here in the first place. The scenes she saw firsthand flashed through her mind as she imagined what Arbus must have gone through. He was the lone survivor of a massacre that had taken place just hours ago.
She realized it was unfair for her to expect him to maintain normalcy at present.
"Both of you can stand now," Bastian said suddenly, drawing her attention back to his form. "There's really no need for such formalities. In fact, I would prefer if you didn't feel the need to be so formal," he said with a slight exhale as he leaned back.
"I thought my dressing would make my preference rather obvious, but I suppose something like this wouldn't be enough, huh," he mused dejectedly in an exaggerated tone.
Yome stared forward at the Sentinel, an expression of stunned disbelief etched on her features. She'd already been taken aback by the Sentinel's clothing when they noticed his presence, but now, she wasn't really sure how to feel about his casual tone and requests.
Bridge was the same, unsure of how to proceed. The Sentinel had just given them an order. One that went against everything they'd been taught in their time in the organization.
Ophilia's heels sounded against the dark floor as she strode to the corner of the large room, finding a comfortable chair to sit in as she watched the meeting with interest.
Eventually, Yome slowly got up, her head still slightly inclined forward. Bridge straightened too, glancing at Arbus strangely after noticing he didn't pay his respects.
"That's better," the Sentinel said as the corner of his lips curved upward.
Yome noticed his gaze shift toward Arbus for a brief moment before turning back to her. "As you may have noticed, I'm not really one to care about protocol as much as some others do. In the end, it accomplishes nothing," he shrugged. "I despise when things are more complicated than they need to be. Especially when someone acts more important than they really are."
"We are all the same, after all. Guardians of this universe, fighting at different scenes to protect it. And I want you all to never forget that."
"...I understand, Sentinel," Yome replied, her serious expression returning slowly as she adjusted to the situation.
Bastian gave a small nod at her response. "I'm sure you are wondering why you are here."
"Considering the situation, it's pretty obvious your captain should have been the one to escort my dear guest here, instead of a simple Vanguard squad," he said with a gesture at Arbus, who was still staring at the Sentinel silently.
"…That thought had crossed my mind, Sentinel," Yome acknowledged truthfully.
"Of course it did." He laughed. "But don't worry, it's nothing too serious," he said, not speaking more for several long moments. Then, the smile on his lips widened further. "It's simple really, I just wanted to see how much my investment was paying off."
Yome raised a brow in confusion. "Investment?.... Investment in what, Sentinel?"
"In you, of course," he replied, clasping his hands together as he chuckled.
Yome's brows creased as she stared at the Sentinel in puzzlement.
"More precisely... in your potential," Bastian continued upon noticing her confusion. Then, he pointed at her heart. "Thankfully, I'd already confirmed my assertion when you managed to seamlessly assimilate with the Heart Shard and gain a unique ability, like me. I'm truly glad I was able to ensure your Vanguard application was accepted."
Yome's eyes went wide as she stared at the Sentinel in disbelief again.
She didn't reply for several moments, trying to find the words. "That was... your doing, Sentinel?" she stammered out, her surprise evident. "But, why would you..."
"Because I could," the Sentinel interrupted as he leaned forward in his seat, his elbow resting against the desk. "You see, I often have more free time than I know what to do with, despite my rank. And in that time, I like to go over the information of the most recent Renegades signing up to this organization for one reason or another."
Yome watched the Sentinel go through the scattered books on his desk, taking up a few files that had been beneath them. "It's my way of understanding the people that work under me. Understanding what drives and motivates them to devote their lives to facing an ever-constant enemy."
She saw a few names on the files as he went through them, which surprised her. Recognition dawned on her as she realised that they were all documents on the personal information of Renegades kept in the official Renegade database. She wondered why he had them printed out instead of simply going through them with his device.
"And sometimes, finding those I believe could go the distance if given the opportunity," he continued, finally pulling out the file he wanted and facing it toward Yome.
As she expected, it was hers.
He opened it, his eyes scanning through it for what she was sure wasn't the first time. "Your story was especially interesting to me, Yome Kyun," he said.
"A Red Mornan who moved to this Star System to be a Renegade at the young age of sixteen. Credited with taking out several pirate crews and bandits at fifteen. And often referred to by your peers as the chosen one for your excellence despite being a Red Mornan."
"Quite the impressive resume, I would say. It would have been strange of me not to sponsor someone as talented as you."
"...Thank you for your praise, sir," Yome replied with a hardened expression.
Her brows trembled slightly as she fought back the urge to correct the Sentinel. She knew it would be a dumb idea. "But, you are wrong about one thing." Yet, she did it anyway.
The Sentinel's brow raised in interest. "Oh, what part?"
Yome's fists clenched as she continued. "I am not talented at all. Far from it, in fact. Everything I've accomplished so far is a result of my hard work and perseverance—not something as unquantifiable as talent. It took me a long time to become the person I am today. So... I'd appreciate it if you don't overlook all of that because of a few files."